Big Mountain, now known as Whitefish Mountain Resort, inspired this piece.  I grew up in Whitefish, Montana, and have spent most of my life in the tiny resort town.  Throughout my life, my hometown has transformed into something that has become more and more unfamiliar.  Watching Whitefish change drastically is challenging, but I still love the place, as it will always be home.  Big Mountain will always be Big Mountain to me, hence the title “Always the Big.”  I will cherish the memories of my home and continue trying to embrace all the newness that has moved into the valley.  I have painted my favorite wild plants that make me feel at home whenever I see them in the woods.  Paintbrush, Bear Grass, and Huckleberries are forever and always my gems of nature.